Honoring our fallen

Friday - May 30, 2014 by Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

Southern Ute Police Department and Southern Ute Tribal Rangers

Ute Mountain Ute spiritual leader Terry Knight

The color guard made up of various members of different branches of the armed forces carry the colors onto the Bear Dance Bridge over the Pine River; they lead the procession from the Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park to Ouray Memorial Cemetery.

Southern Ute Vietnam veteran, Rod Grove, salutes the flags as they are raised to half-mast.

Members of the Southern Ute drum group 12 Gauge sang an honor song after the presentation of wreaths.

The family of the late Eugene Naranjo accepts a blanket in recognition of Mr. Naranjo’s dedication as the Executive Officer for his many years of support for the Southern Ute Veterans Association, calling them “his veterans.”

Members of the Southern Ute Police Department and Southern Ute Tribal Rangers stand at attention at the Bear Dance bridge. They also gave the 21 Gun Salute later at the cemetery.

Southern Ute elder, Alden Naranjo tosses a wreath into the Pine River after giving a prayer and blessing for those who were lost at sea.

Marlena Begay sang ‘Amazing Grace’, she also sang the National Anthem earlier in the day at the ceremony at the Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park.

Southern Ute Veteran and Southern Ute Tribal Councilman Howard Richards Sr., raises the flags to half-mast during the closing ceremonies at Ouray Memorial Cemetery.

Speaker of the closing ceremonies, Ute Mountain Ute spiritual leader Terry Knight holds an eagle staff as the procession enters the Ouray Memorial Cemetery, before giving a prayer.

Brothers in arms, Austin and Russell Box stand at attention during the closing ceremonies of the Southern Ute Veterans Association’s Day of Remembrance on Memorial Day, May 26.

Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

The Southern Ute Veterans Association hosted their annual Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park on Memorial Day, May 26 in Ignacio. The event included various speakers, recognitions of past servicemen and a procession to the Bear Dance bridge and onto the Ouray Memorial Cemetery.